Is it just me? I feel as if I am emerging from my hibernation den and slowly venturing out again. That was indeed a quiet, sleepy Winter here in the Maritimes, but things are starting to pick up.

Auditions are already in progress for Season 2 of Pure, and Season 8 of Mr. D will soon follow. I have been contacted by the Casting Directors in town who’ve asked that our members please update their ACTRAonline profiles. Not already on ACTRAonline? Need help signing up? Your ACTRA Maritimes Councillors are coming to your rescue. On Saturday May 12th from 1:30-2:30 PM (just before the Annual General Meeting) in the Windsor Foundation Theatre of the Art Gallery of NS, we will have volunteers on hand to help you register. It’s free, it’s easy, and it just might get you work. What are you waiting for?

If you want to put some ‘Spring in your step’, here are two upcoming ACTRA events we would love for you to help us celebrate:

On Saturday, May 12th (as mention above) we are holding our Annual General Meeting from 2:30-4:30PM in the Windsor Foundation Theatre of the Art Gallery of NS. Now I know what you are thinking – a two hour meeting is not exactly my idea of a fun time – but, If you have never attended an AGM before you might be pleasantly surprised. It is a great chance catch up with fellow members, find out what is happening within the local industry, and raise your own questions or concerns. Our special guests this year are ACTRA President David Sparrow and Regional Representative Daintry Dalton. They will be giving us updates on what is happening nationally, including the recently penned Industry-Wide Code of Conduct, and efforts being made at the federal level to support work opportunities for Canadian performers all across the country. The conversation is always spirited and I am always impressed with the passion of our members. Speaking of ‘spirited’, all members who attend the AGM will be given a free beverage ticket for the reception immediately following the meeting. Yes, you may call this a shameless ploy…I like to think of it as incentivizing.

It is ACTRA’s 75th birthday! So we’re going to have a little party. From 5:00-7:00PM in the upstairs Galley of the Farmer’s Market (1209 Marginal Road) we will raise a toast to 75 years of Canadian story-telling and the continued success of our proud union members – you! There will be some nibbles, a cash bar, and birthday cake. Fun, right? It’s free to all members with guest tickets available for puchase. Please RSVP rhadley@actra.ca

The second event you won’t want to miss is the 4th annual Screen Nova Scotia Awards Gala, taking place Wednesday, May 16th at 8:00 PM in the Schooner Room at Casino Nova Scotia. The event will be co-hosted by some of Nova Scotia’s brightest talents, including ACTRA Maritimes’ members Jonathan Torrens and Bette MacDonald along with ACTRA Newfoundland member Cathy Jones.

“Home-grown Maritime productions have again provided our actors with the opportunity to shine,” said David Christoffel, Chair of the ACTRA Maritimes Awards Committee. “Our local projects have showcased wonderful performances by some very talented established and emerging artists.”

For ticket information and a complete list of nominees visit the Screen NS website: https://screennovascotia.com/screen-nova-scotia-announces-2018-award-nominees/

I hope to see you all very soon and look forward to celebrating with you – my friends and creative colleagues.

In solidarity,
Francine Deschepper
Branch President and National Councillor
ACTRA Maritimes